Life-cycle cost analysis of steel bridges under severe chloride exposure: A comparison between conventional and corrosion-resistant steel

This paper presents the methodology and results of an investigation to determine the life-cycle cost of steel bridges under severe chloride exposure. When constructed using conventional steel, these bridges require frequent maintenance and repainting to reduce the deterioration effects associated with corrosion. Maintenance actions have an adverse effect on the life-cycle cost of bridges; especially if the indirect costs, arising from traffic disruptions and delays, are included. Alternatively, a steel with better corrosion resistance (e.g., weathering steel or ASTM A1010 steel) can be used. This will increase the initial cost of the structure but may reduce the maintenance needs along the life-cycle of the bridge which can lead to a reduction in the life-cycle cost. Accordingly, identifying the steel material with the lowest life-cycle cost requires comprehensive life-cycle analysis which not only considers the initial construction cost, but also the direct and indirect cost of maintenance actions performed along the life-cycle of the bridge. Such analysis is presented in this paper and illustrated on an existing steel bridge located in Pennsylvania, USA.